Booking a disney cruise

[Lisa and Alan]

What is the benefit of booking a disney cruise through a travel agent? We have cruised disney one other time, so I am comfortable with traversing the ship and port excursions. If I use a travel agent, am I better off using AAA or Magical Journeys? We have never used either, as we are dvc members. We plan on paying cash, rather than using points. Where can I get the best service and best on board credits? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. FYI ... We have stopped into a local AAA office and picked up a brochure and were told that January is the month that they push cruises through Disney. We have also submitted an online quote sheet through Magical Journeys, but have not heard back yet. I am not sure I like dealing with an agent online versus via phone or in person. I tried calling MJ, but was just referred to online form through a voice mail.

[Strmchsr]

The advantage to booking through a travel agent is that you deal with only one person instead of a random CM - whoever happens to pick up your line. The advantage to dealing with MJ vs. AAA is that you'll deal with only 1 agent for all of your Disney transactions and that 1 agent will bend over backwards to make sure you get the best deal. AAA is okay, but MJ has the best customer service hands down.

Usually when you submit a quote they get back to you within 3-4 hours. If you haven't heard within 24 hours, check your spam folder as sometimes emails go there, but post and let us know. Nanc, the head of MJ, checks her often and responds immediately if she finds out someone hasn't heard back.

[MarkC]

The message above is correct. But it may depend on whom you book with. I usually book with a United cruises or something like that because its an easy way to pile on some frequent flier miles. I've done the same with Mariott, etc. Otherwise there isn't a big advantage.

[Donald_Quackers]

I've booked my last few through Dreams. They give an OBC dependent on the number of nights the cruise is, and for those leaving out of Port Canaveral, they put a gift basket in your stateroom.

[Travelfanatic1]

Please ease my mind, someone. I would like to go on a cruise and I understand it needs to be paid in full, with no refunds, what if there is an emergency and your family is not able to go?
Can you buy insurance to cover this and is it worth the cost?

Travelfanatic1

[coloradowendyl]

Please ease my mind, someone. I would like to go on a cruise and I understand it needs to be paid in full, with no refunds, what if there is an emergency and your family is not able to go?
Can you buy insurance to cover this and is it worth the cost?

Deposit on DCL cruises are due within 3 days of a hold and balance is due 75 days prior to travel for most cruises. European and some other itineraries require balance due earlier.

Insurance is strongly recommended due to cancellation policies. The price of the insurance is based on the cruise fare per person and you have until Final Payment to add insurance.

Here is the DCL cancellation policy for 3, 4, 5 and 7 night cruises sailing from US ports. The policies are slightly different for Europe, Alaska, etc.

Cancellation Policy:
Concierge and Suite cancellation: non refundable deposit 45 days or more prior to sailing
If you cancel 45-74 days prior to your cruise/package, you lose your deposit.
If you cancel 30-44 days prior, you lose 50% of your cruise fare per person.
If you cancel 29-15 days prior, you lose 75% of your cruise fare per person.
If you cancel 0-14 days prior, there is NO refund.

Hope this helps!

[MarkC]

And more info to Wendy's response-- yes you can buy insurance when you sign up for the cruise, at least with my agent and I'm sure most of them are the same. If you have family members that are ill or just really concerned about losing that money, I would buy it. We never have and only once in 40-50 vacations have we had to cancel, but it was only two of us and we weren't out much as it was a land vacation.

We use United cruises and they do sell insurance, but again I'm sure everyone does. There are even two levels-- one that gives you specific reasons you can cancel for a reason, and the other is more expensive but basically allows you to cancel at will. Good luck.